Wildfire update

Fort McMurray Forest Area - July 01, 2026

Extreme wildfire danger

With continued hot and dry conditions, the fire danger is extreme in Fort Fitzgerald and Fort Chipewyan and very high in Fort McMurray. Wildfires can easily start and spread in these conditions. Be cautious when spending time outdoors and avoid activities that could spark a wildfire.

Wildfire situation

There are currently no active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.                                       

Since January 1, there have been 36 wildfires in the forest area. To view active wildfires, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard or download the Alberta Wildfire Status app.

Smoke

Wildfires burning in Manitoba and Saskatchewan are creating smoky conditions across the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Always use caution when conditions are smoky and limit your time outside if possible.

  • Visit FireSmoke Canada to see where the smoke is coming from.
  • Smoky conditions can affect your health. Go to wildfire smoke and your health for more information.
  • Call Health Link at 811 if you are having respiratory problems due to smoke.

Fire advisory

A fire advisory is in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Under this advisory: 

ActivityRestriction level
Fire permitsMay be restricted or suspended
Safe wood campfires on public landsAllowed
Safe wood campfires in a designated campgroundAllowed
Safe wood campfires on private landAllowed
Safe wood campfire in backyard fire pitsAllowed
Barbeque – Charcoal briquetteAllowed
FireworksAlways prohibited without written permission of a Forest Officer
Exploding targetsAlways prohibited without written permission of a Forest Officer
Propane/natural gas powered appliancesAllowed
Indoor wood fireAllowed
Open flame oil devicesAllowed

Happy Canada Day

Celebrate safely this Canada Day. Just a reminder that the use of fireworks within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) is prohibited without written permission from a forest officer. Written permission is required year-round. To obtain written permission to shoot, discharge, detonate or ignite fireworks within the FPA, see a forest officer at your local forest area office. A fire advisory, restriction, ban or forest closure may prohibit or limit use of fireworks during times of high wildfire danger. Check albertafirebans.ca for the latest information.

Choose a safe campfire site 

In campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, fire rings or fire pits. Fire pits are designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire. When outside of a campground, choose a site that is clear of dry grass and vegetation, away from low hanging branches. Clear the site down to bare mineral soil, keep it sheltered from the wind and always have water nearby in case your campfire escapes. 

When you're done, always soak it, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch. Never leave your campfire unattended.

Take the Wildfire Pledge today for a chance to win an educational helicopter flight

Wildfire season is here, and we all have a role to play. Alberta Wildfire is calling on residents in the Fort McMurray Forest Area to take the wildfire pledge and help protect our forests, communities, and way of life. With many wildfires caused by human activity, small actions can make a big difference. 

Join Fire Chief Jody Butz and Forest Area Manager Paul St. John – take the pledge and be part of the solution (and be entered for an educational helicopter flight.)

Sign the pledge:

  • I will always use fire responsibly and safely in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
  • I will fully extinguish my campfire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again.
  • I will stop and check my off-highway vehicle regularly for built-up debris while riding off-road.
  • I will report any smoke I see in the forested areas to 310-FIRE.
  • I will be an ambassador for fire safety when enjoying Alberta’s forested areas with friends and family.

Everyone plays a role in reducing the risk of wildfires. 

Please sign the pledge here by filling in the form at the bottom. One entry per person.

Contact info

Carley Johnson
780-799-9253
[email protected]

Published on July 1, 2026 2:24 pm